Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:The concept of recording divine revelations, historical events, and spiritual insights is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This call to document serves as a means of preserving God's word, ensuring the transmission of His commandments, and providing a testimony for future generations. From the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament apostles, the act of writing is portrayed as a divinely inspired task, integral to the faith and practice of God's people. Biblical Instances: 1. Moses and the Law: Moses is one of the earliest figures called to write down God's commandments. In Exodus 34:27, the Lord instructs Moses, "Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel." This command underscores the importance of documenting God's covenant and laws, which would guide the Israelites in their relationship with Him. 2. The Prophets: The prophets were often commanded to write down their visions and messages. In Habakkuk 2:2, the Lord tells the prophet, "Write down the vision and make it plain on tablets, so that a herald may run with it." This directive highlights the necessity of clarity and accessibility in the written word, ensuring that God's message could be disseminated and understood by all. 3. The Psalms and Wisdom Literature: The Psalms and other wisdom literature, such as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, are examples of inspired writings that capture the breadth of human experience in relation to God. These texts serve as records of worship, lament, wisdom, and instruction, providing a rich tapestry of spiritual insight and guidance. 4. The Gospels and Apostolic Writings: In the New Testament, the apostles and evangelists were moved to write accounts of Jesus' life, teachings, and the early church's experiences. Luke begins his Gospel by stating, "Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us" (Luke 1:1). This reflects the early Christian commitment to preserving the truth of the Gospel for posterity. 5. The Book of Revelation: The apostle John receives a direct command to write in Revelation 1:19, "Therefore write down the things you have seen, and the things that are, and the things that will happen after this." This instruction emphasizes the prophetic nature of the written word, serving as a record of divine revelation concerning the end times. Theological Significance: The call to write a record in the Bible is not merely a historical or literary exercise; it is a theological mandate that underscores the authority and permanence of God's word. Writing serves as a means of revelation, instruction, and remembrance. It ensures that God's commandments, promises, and acts of salvation are preserved and accessible to all generations. Preservation and Transmission: The written word has been instrumental in the preservation and transmission of the faith. The Bible, as a divinely inspired record, has been meticulously copied, translated, and disseminated throughout history. This has allowed the teachings of Christianity to reach diverse cultures and peoples, fulfilling the Great Commission to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Conclusion: The call to write a record is a divine initiative that has shaped the course of biblical history and the Christian faith. Through the faithful recording of God's word, believers are equipped with a reliable and authoritative source of truth, guiding them in their spiritual journey and relationship with the Creator. Subtopics Call: To Special Religious Duty of Abraham Call: To Special Religious Duty, Call: To Special Religious Duty: Aaron and his Sons Call: To Special Religious Duty: All Who are Called of God Call: To Special Religious Duty: Amos Call: To Special Religious Duty: Apostles Call: To Special Religious Duty: Cyrus Call: To Special Religious Duty: Gideon Call: To Special Religious Duty: Jehu Call: To Special Religious Duty: Joshua Call: To Special Religious Duty: Moses Call: To Special Religious Duty: Paul Call: To Special Religious Duty: Samuel Call: To Special Religious Duty: Solomon Call: To Special Religious Duty: The Rich Young Man The Call of God by his Ministers The Call of God is from Darkness The Call of God: Addressed to All The Call of God: Blessedness of Receiving The Call of God: Effectual to Saints The Call of God: Partakers of, Justified The Call of God: Praise God For The Call of God: Rejection by God The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Delusion The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Judicial Blindness The Call of God: Temporal Judgments The Call of God: To Man Is of Grace The Call of God: To Man Is: According to the Purpose of God The Call of God: To Man Is: Heavenly The Call of God: To Man Is: High The Call of God: To Man Is: Holy The Call of God: To Man Is: To Eternal Life The Call of God: To Man Is: To Fellowship With Christ The Call of God: To Man Is: To Glory and Virtue The Call of God: To Man Is: To Holiness The Call of God: To Man Is: To Liberty The Call of God: To Man Is: To Peace The Call of God: To Man Is: To the Eternal Glory of Christ The Call of God: Walk Worthy of The Call of God: Withdrawal of the Means of Grace Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |